Questions & Answers

Questions from The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and California Counts, a public media collaboration. (4)

The Federal Government plays a part in California water allocation and use through a variety of laws. What, if any, legislation would you support in an effort to handle water shortages caused by the current and any future drought?

Answer from Barbara Lee:

I support legislation that would bring much needed drought emergency assistance and long-term water policy solutions for California and other arid western states. Any legislation that passes must be comprehensive, address climate change and water use efficiency, and protect our vital environment and local ecosystems. That is why I support H.R. 2983, the Drought Recovery and Resilience Act of 2015, a bill which would provide drought assistance and improve water supply reliability to the state of California and other western states. More importantly, this bill would generate more water on a reliable basis without undermining environmental protections, preempting state laws, or redirecting impacts from one drought-stricken area to another.

Should immigration laws be changed? What changes would you support? Please explain why.

Answer from Barbara Lee:

I am a strong supporter of comprehensive immigration reform and will continue to fight for immigration reform that is fair, preserves family unity and recognizes the significant contributions of immigrants and that our nation has and always will be a nation of immigrants

What, if anything, does the U.S. need to do in order to address national security and terrorism? Please explain your answer in detail.

Answer from Barbara Lee:

I am fighting in Congress to repeal the 2001 AUMF, which I voted against in after the horrific events of September 11, and force a debate and vote on the ongoing wars in the Middle East. The 2001 AUMF amounts to a blank check for ANY President to wage war against anyone, anywhere, and in perpetuity. We must end the unchecked power and Congress must live up to its constitutional obligation to debate and vote on the costs and consequences of the ongoing wars in the Middle East.

The political climate in Washington, D.C. has been extremely partisan in recent years. In that kind of atmosphere, what would you do to get things done while in office?

Answer from Barbara Lee:

I understand that working with members of Congress is extremely important. I will work on finding common ground without giving up progressive principles. I will work on finding a consensus on issues such as poverty, criminal justice reform, affordable housing and education. I will also work to identify resources to create economic growth and jobs.

Who gave money to this candidate?

Contributions

Total money raised: $1,324,875

Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:

1

Gilead Sciences and employees

$21,850

2

Google and employees

$12,150

3

Employees of Kazan Mcclain Satterley & Greenwood

$11,600

4

Employees of Dickerson Employee Benefits

$10,800

5

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees

$10,000

5

American Federation of Teachers

$10,000

5

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

$10,000

5

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

$10,000

5

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

$10,000

5

National Education Association

$10,000

5

UNITE HERE

$10,000

5

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

$10,000

More information about contributions

By State:

California 62.77%

District of Columbia 18.15%

New York 3.95%

Maryland 3.24%

Other 11.89%

62.77%18.15%11.89%

By Size:

Large contributions (86.95%)

Small contributions (13.05%)

86.95%13.05%

By Type:

From organizations (29.20%)

From individuals (70.80%)

29.20%70.80%

Source: MapLight analysis of data from the Federal Election Commission.